ไทย
English
中國人
Inter Miami are preparing for their first MLS matches in almost two months, but the Herons will reportedly need to manage without skipper Lionel Messi and his compatriot Rodrigo De Paul.
The two Argentina internationals helped La Albiceleste advance to the 2026 World Cup final, but had to settle for silver medals after a disappointing 1–0 loss to Spain. Messi played the full 120 minutes at MetLife Stadium, while De Paul was substituted off in the 70th minute.
With the World Cup now behind them, the 2026 MLS season is set to resume across the United States and Canada. Inter Miami return to action against Chicago Fire just three days after Messi and De Paul faced La Roja.
ESPN reports that the two stars will sit out both the Chicago Fire clash on Wednesday and the CF Montréal fixture on Sunday. This comes as little surprise given the workload both players carried on the global stage, but the Herons will sorely miss their contributions. Messi, notably, netted eight goals over the summer and claimed the Silver Ball and Silver Boot at the age of 39.
Inter Miami will be eager to have Messi and De Paul back in pink as soon as possible, but they may need to cope without the pair for more than just two games.
The Inter Miami Matches Messi, De Paul Could Miss
Beyond missing Inter Miami's next two fixtures, Messi and De Paul could remain sidelined until mid-August. FIFPRO, the global players' union, and FIFA previously reached an agreement entitling players to a 21-day recovery window at the conclusion of each season.
Messi and De Paul are therefore entitled to three weeks off following the World Cup before resuming domestic duties with Inter Miami. Neither the players nor the club have confirmed whether the two Argentines will take the full rest period, but if they do, they would miss the following matches:
Date | Opponent | Competition |
|---|---|---|
July 22 | Chicago Fire | MLS |
July 25 | CF Montréal | MLS |
Aug. 1 | Columbus Crew | MLS |
Aug. 5 | Atlético de San Luis | Leagues Cup |
Aug. 8 | Monterrey | Leagues Cup |
Inter Miami would not only be without two of their most influential players for three MLS matches, but would also be deprived of Messi and De Paul at the start of this summer's Leagues Cup.
If both players take the full three-week break, they would not be available again until the Herons face Club León on Wednesday, Aug. 12.
Will Messi, De Paul Feature in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game?
MLS has yet to officially confirm Messi and De Paul's availability for the 2026 MLS All-Star Game, but ESPN reports the two Inter Miami stars will be absent. Unlike last year when Messi and Jordi Alba opted out of the match, there would be no league penalties this time around, as the contest against the Liga MX All-Stars falls within the 21-day rest window.
This would mark the third consecutive year Messi has been absent from the MLS All-Star Game. The Argentine had been named to the squad after scoring 12 goals in his first 14 league appearances this season. In fact, prior to MLS going on break, Messi had registered at least two goal contributions in five consecutive matches.
The Barcelona icon is a major factor behind the Herons currently sitting second in the Eastern Conference after a slow start to the campaign. De Paul had also been in fine form, contributing two goals and two assists across his last four outings.
Both Inter Miami and the MLS All-Stars will need to manage without the two marquee names, however, as Messi and De Paul take time to physically and mentally recover from a deflating conclusion to a hectic summer.